Armenian-Chinese Friendship that Passes Along the Silk Road

YEREVAN (Armradio.am) — A group of Armenian journalists paid a week-long visit to China at the initiative of the Chinese Embassy in Armenia.

“We have a reliable partner in the face of Armenia. The Armenian-Chinese friendship is at the highest level today,” Deputy Foreign Minister of China Chen Gopin said at the meeting with reporters.

“I believe the journalists’ visit will contribute to the further deepening and reinforcement of business and friendly ties between the two countries and peoples,” he added. Speaking about Armenia, the Deputy Minister said “Armenia stands out for its brilliant culture and history. Wise and diligent Armenia is building its own home today. As for our friendship, it dates back to the times of the Silk Road.”

Which are the most promising fields of Armenian-Chinese cooperation? “Despite the long distance between Armenia and China, we have managed to establish cooperation thanks to the powerful Silk Road. Both countries have advantages in the fields of industry and economy and can effectively complement each other.”

“About ten years ago a successful Armenian-Chinese project was implemented. Here we founded a rubber factory on the basis of Armenian technologies. China, for its part, is ready to support Armenia, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and transport. I should note that some Chinese communities are successfully growing Armenian apricot, which has become another symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” Chen Gopin said.

“Armenia is a unique country and I think the number of tourists wishing to see something special will grow,” said an official from the Ministry of Commerce. He said the January issue of the most prestigious tourism magazine in China was completely devoted to Armenia.

Commenting on the expor of Armenian goods to China, he said “the difficulties are connected with the lack of sea route between the two countries, which results in the increased prices.”

“Within the framework of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to China the leaders of the two countries reached an agreement to intensify the cooperation in building a Silk Road Economic Zone. A corresponding cooperation agreement has been signed between China’s Ministry of Commerce and Armenia’s Ministry of Economy. We’ll help develop your infrastructures. It requires means and efforts, but we hope to solve the issue of transportation in a few years.”